My Guitar Notes

bass · short-scale

Mustang Bass

Mustang Bass — video still
Video still: Fender
MakerFender
OriginUnited States
Typebass · short-scale
Introduced1966
PriceUSD 777 (2026-09)
Maker founded1946
Statuscurrent

Fender's short-scale bass in the Player II line, aimed at players with smaller hands and at guitarists doubling on bass.

Watch

YouTube video Fender · 2020-07 — Fender's own walkthrough of the Player Mustang Bass PJ and its pickup switching options.

Why it matters

Short-scale basses have moved from a niche to a common second instrument, and the Mustang is the format Fender has kept in production longest. The 30-inch scale changes string tension and feel, which is why some players reach for it in the studio. It is priced with the rest of the Player II range rather than as a specialist model.

Note

Short-scale bass favored by small hands and indie players.

Specifications

  • Scale length: 762 mm (30 in)
  • Neck shape: Modern "C"

Before you buy

  • Short-scale strings are a separate purchase from long-scale sets
  • The PJ layout gives two pickup voices
  • Check whether the model includes a gig bag

Other opinions

One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.

  • YouTube video Andertons Music Co · 2019-04 · 153,468 views

    “Head over to the Andertons website to find the products in the video!”

    Andertons compares US and Mexican-made Fender Mustang Basses and what the short scale does to the tone.

  • YouTube video The Bass Channel · 2017-01 · 104,664 views

    “Fender Mustang Bass: Shure Beta 52: Ampeg B100R Rocketbass Amp Support us on Patreon: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Twitter:”

    Playing demo of a Fender Mustang Bass covering fingerstyle, pick and slap tones.

Sources

Related models

Same era

See also